Girl Meets World Casts The Female Sidekick

The Girl Meets World pilot is shaping up nicely over at the Disney Channel. Most of the biggest roles have already been cast, but over the last few days, the network was still looking for a young lady to play lead tween Riley Matthews’ best friend, Maya Fox. On Thursday, the Disney Channel announced the role has been given to up-and-coming actress and singer Sabrina Carpenter.

Carpenter has mostly done guest stints on TV shows in the past, including Sofia the First and Law & Order: SVU, although she is also set to appear in Fox’s midseason comedy The Goodwin Games. According to EW, in Girl Meets World, the 13-year-old will play a tween with a bit of a darker side, who also isn’t as academic as her best friend. Additionally, without a father in her life, Maya will look to Riley’s dad, Cory Matthews, as a mentor. I’m also wondering if her character will have some musical talents, since the young actress in real life has signed with a record label and has released a single called “Smile.”

Carpenter will join Boy Meets World alums Ben Savage and Danielle Fishel in the sequel to the popular original series. Additionally, just a few days ago, Disney signed on 11-year-old actress Rowan Blanchard (Spy Kids: All the Time in the World 4D) to fill the lead role. With production on the pilot set to begin next month, Girl Meets World is well on its way to fruition, and I know there are a lot of admitted grown-ups hoping this one makes it series.